What’s the Cause of All That Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity affects a huge portion of the population and is one of the most common complaints that Dr. Breazeal hears from patients. The thing about this dental condition is that it isn’t taken as seriously as tooth decay or other causes of persistent toothache because the pain associated with tooth sensitivity comes and goes very quickly. However, tooth sensitivity may be a sign of worse things to come. Below are some of the likely causes of tooth sensitivity:

Gum disease.

Whenever you have inflamed gums, pocket formations are sure to occur, which will expose spaces in between your teeth and gums. Gum recession follows, because these pocket formations will eat away at your gums and slowly expose the roots underneath. However, unlike the exposed, visible parts of your teeth, the roots are lacking enamel. Hence, when those substances come in contact with the roots of your teeth, tiny microscopic channels leading to the pulp serve as entrance to these substances, setting off the nerves and causing pain.

Vigorous brushing.

While enamel is a dense, solid substance, it is by no means exempted from wear and tear which is accelerated whenever you exert too much effort when brushing your teeth. The friction will cause enamel crystals to peel off, as well as irritate your gums. In fact, brushing too aggressively can actually lead to gingivitis. If you’re trying to pass off your brushing technique as being thorough, dentists have a rebuttal to that – it’s the method of brushing and not the force which determines how well you are able to clean your teeth. To ensure maximum cleaning of your teeth, make sure to brush in an oscillating-rotating manner.

Teeth grinding.

With cases of bruxism on an unparalleled rise during the recession of 2008, dentists are convinced more than ever that pathological teeth grinding is caused by anxiety. The friction generated when you grind your teeth can strip away the enamel region and expose the underlying dentin layer, where microscopic pores lead to the pulp. Because most cases of teeth grinding happens when one is asleep, you may not know that you have bruxism unless your spouse, partner or roommate comes forward and tells you that you do grind your teeth when you are asleep. Another symptom of bruxism includes jaw tenderness which occurs naturally when you’ve been grinding your teeth impulsively. Mouth guards help reduce the friction generated whenever you grind your teeth. Talk to Dr. Max Breazeal about ways you can reduce your sensitivity and get back to enjoying the foods you love!